BUSINESS COMMUNICATION COURSE OUTLINE
TUTOR: Mr Wilson Shikoto Cell: 0811 407828
STATEMENT ABOUT ACADEMIC HONESTY AND INTEGRITY
All students, upon signing this course outline, commit themselves to abide by the policies and rules of the institution. The core activity of ABN is learning and in this respect academic honesty and integrity is very important to ensure that learning is valid, reliable and credible.
ABN therefore does not condone any form of academic dishonesty, including plagiarism and cheating on exams and assessments, amongst other such practices. ABN requires students to always do their own assignments and to produce their own academic work, unless given a group assignment.
Academic Dishonesty includes, but is not limited to:
- Using the ideas, words, works or inventions of someone else as if it is your own work.
- Using the direct words of someone else without quotation marks, even if it is referenced.
- Copying from writings (books, articles, webpages, other students’ assignments, etc.), published or unpublished, without referencing.
- Syndication of a piece of work, all or part of an assignment, by a group of students, unless the assignment was a legitimate group assignment.
- The borrowing and use of another person’s assignment, with or without their knowledge or permission.
- Infringing copyright, including documents copied or cut and pasted from the internet.
- Asking someone else to prepare an assignment for you or to write or sit an assessment for you, whether this is against payment or not.
- Re-submitting work done already for another course or programme as new work, so-called self-plagiarism.
- Bringing notes into an examination or test venue, regardless of whether the notes were used to copy or not.
- Receiving any outside assistance in any form or shape during an examination or test.
All forms of academic dishonesty are viewed as misconduct under ABN Student Rules and Regulations. Students who make themselves guilty of academic dishonesty will be brought before a Disciplinary Committee and may be suspended from studying for a certain time or may be expelled. All students who are found guilty of academic dishonesty shall have an appropriate endorsement on their academic record, which will never be erased
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Course Aims |
The course introduces students to best practical ways of communication in the world business. Technology has made things easier however, one need to be careful the way they use technology to communicate. Without effective communication, organisations cannot survive, therefore this course looks at different facets of communication, challenges and how to overcome them. |
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Specific Learning Outcomes |
Upon completion of the course students will, through assessment activities, show evidence of their ability to: § Understand the various ways of communications in a work environment and be able to write messages to match the reading level of your audience. § Explain and distinguish the major barriers of effective communication of messages. § Differentiate between different styles of leadership
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Course Content |
The following are the topics covered in the course: The key principle of effective business communication § Importance of effective communication § Categories of Communication § Formal and Informal of communication § Traditional hierarchal of organisational structure § Verbal and nonverbal communication § Listening skills § Intercultural communication
Spoken Communication § Language § Direct & indirect spoken communication § Interviews § Meetings § Presentations § Telephone conversation
Written Communication § Effective communication § Grammar in written communication § Persuasive writing § Letter writing § Memos § Emails § Reports § CVs
Understanding the Work Environment § Self-management § Self-knowledge § Filing system § Time management § Teamwork § Type of groups § Management functions
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Methods of Facilitating Learning |
The course will be facilitated through the following learning activities: § In the second semester, Full time and part time lectures will be offered in which students are expected to take notes. § This first semester, distance learning is facilitated, and a vacation school has been scheduled on the school calendar. § Assigned readings will be given as well as a study guide to help students focus on the specifics required for this course. § Assignments will be given to students which are supposed to submitted as per specified due dates. |
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Assessment Strategies |
Diversified Continuous Assessment and an end-of-semester examination will apply as follows: Full/Part-time/Distance :50% Continuous Assessment 50% Examination Continuous Assessment is made up of: § Assignments
Students have to obtain at least 50% to write the examination. A minimum Final Mark of 50% is required to pass the course.
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Quality Assurance Arrangements |
Moderation of assessments will be done in accordance with the ABN ’s rules and guidelines on moderation. |
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Student Support and Learning Resources |
Prescribed reading :
Recommended texts: Maritz, J., Bender, M. & Kotze, P. 2015. Business communication I. Cape Twon: EDGE Learning Media. ISBN: 978-1-77612-399-5 |